“Amaechi and Wike fight is a source of great pains to Rivers state” – Elders say

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is the current Minister of Transportation have been accused by elders in the state as being a “source of great pains to the state.”

Backstory: The accusations come over increasing insecurity which is allegedly being instigated by the lingering conflict between the two men. The elders in the state, under the aegis of Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, have resolved to confront both Wike and Amaechi concerning the collateral damage their feud is causing in the state.

“The trouble and wave of fear in Rivers at the moment is not of upland-riverine dichotomy. It is caused by the fight between two brothers from the same stock, one at the federal, the other holding sway in the state,” said Dr. Kalada Ireunabere, who spoke on behalf of the group. “Because they are not working together, youths gang up under their cover to cut off people’s heads, displace communities and when they are not doing these, they are robbing and kidnapping people. The two men and their allies have brought much pain to Rivers. We must bring both Wike and Amaechi together to stop the menace.”

BottomLine: The elders have diagnosed the problem accurately but their proposed solution leaves much to be desired. Amaechi and Wike are allowed to have disagreements and to be on opposing camps. However if people are killing and maiming in their names, then that is a criminal matter which reconciling them cannot solve. As long as the men maintain the monopoly of violence, they would likely turn their weapons on some other person. The law ought to take its course.